Wakefield HS year 2030

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The fear and subtle racism are appalling.

Careful, you might trip.

It's racist to suggest people should be satisfied with a low performing school just because it has a lot of minorities.

[Anonymous]

Also -- as someone who could afford to live in the Yorktown district but is black, I made the specific choice to live in the Wakefield district because Yorktown's scores for black students was worse (!!!) than Wakefield's.

http://www.greatschools.org/virginia/arlington/135-Yorktown-High-School/quality/#Test_scores

http://www.greatschools.org/virginia/arlington/132-Wakefield-High-School/quality/#Test_scores

I am investing the money I saved on my home on supplementing my kids' educational experience (tutoring, traveling, sports, etc.). I just couldn't justify the "schools" argument as a black family.

I'm also upper middle class, dual income, etc. We could swing a small house in Yorktown but actually chose to pass on it because the diversity in the school and performance for my children's sub group was better in Wakefield.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not good, much less great.

http://www.apsva.us/cms/lib2/VA01000586/Centricity/Domain/141/2014%20PR%20Tbl%203%20SAT.pdf

Interesting that I often hear on DCUM that Yorktown is the absolute best HS in Arlington but that chart shows that for White students, Black students, and Asian students, W-L has higher average SAT scores. Not by a lot but hardly a difference worth calling Yorktown the "best." Personally I know a bunch of families at both schools and see W-L and Yorktown as about the same.

For Wakefield, yes their SAT scores are lower. SOL scores don't vary much between the schools. I know families very happy with Wakefield and kids well supported at home seem to do fine. The big challenge for ALL the schools in Arlington is the overcrowding. The capacity crisis at the ES level will be overwhelming the HS's (all of them) in 10-15 yrs and the district doesn't seem capable of making smart and timely decisions to deal with it.

[Anonymous]

I'm the PP mom who is zoned for Wakefield and is black and I actutally think that was my ah-ha moment when I was house hunting. I don't think having my kids at Yorktown would do them any more justice than having them in Wakefield and putting the money I'd spend living in North Arlington into enrichment. It's a tricky thing but when you parse it down, the issue you see is that poverty and ESL needs drives a lot of the performance issues. I think a lot of parents fear their kids will be corrupted by poor minority kids (especially teens). I don't see that issue as much as the isolation problems my kids might experience. We have all sorts of friends and our family ranges from dirt poor to rich as hell. So, our kids will likely see it all. That's why I don't worry about Wakefield.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not good, much less great.

http://www.apsva.us/cms/lib2/VA01000586/Centricity/Domain/141/2014%20PR%20Tbl%203%20SAT.pdf

Interesting that I often hear on DCUM that Yorktown is the absolute best HS in Arlington but that chart shows that for White students, Black students, and Asian students, W-L has higher average SAT scores. Not by a lot but hardly a difference worth calling Yorktown the "best." Personally I know a bunch of families at both schools and see W-L and Yorktown as about the same.

For Wakefield, yes their SAT scores are lower. SOL scores don't vary much between the schools. I know families very happy with Wakefield and kids well supported at home seem to do fine. The big challenge for ALL the schools in Arlington is the overcrowding. The capacity crisis at the ES level will be overwhelming the HS's (all of them) in 10-15 yrs and the district doesn't seem capable of making smart and timely decisions to deal with it.

Best is code for whitest- wealthiest

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the PP mom who is zoned for Wakefield and is black and I actutally think that was my ah-ha moment when I was house hunting. I don't think having my kids at Yorktown would do them any more justice than having them in Wakefield and putting the money I'd spend living in North Arlington into enrichment. It's a tricky thing but when you parse it down, the issue you see is that poverty and ESL needs drives a lot of the performance issues. I think a lot of parents fear their kids will be corrupted by poor minority kids (especially teens). I don't see that issue as much as the isolation problems my kids might experience. We have all sorts of friends and our family ranges from dirt poor to rich as hell. So, our kids will likely see it all. That's why I don't worry about Wakefield.

Hi! I feel the same as you. Are your kids currently at Wakefield or just slated? I walk by Wakefield daily ( around the time of dismissal) the kids are pretty typical. I don't see or hear anything troubling about behavior. Most seem like good kids.
My only real concern is if there is so much focus getting ESL students up to speed- is it slowing the rest down? This is a gut fear, and not based in fact. Still thinking its a good choice.

[Anonymous]

With average SAT scores of 1319 for black students, I can't imagine wanting to send an AA kid there. Those are the types of scores you'd expect to see at a school in PG or SE, and well below what the College Board has said is "college-ready." Add in the fact that some AA kids at Wakefield don't even take the SATs and it's not a pretty picture.

But, apparently, it's racist to point out that AA students there are not doing well. I'd argue it's reverse racism to imply that should be ignored.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I'm the PP mom who is zoned for Wakefield and is black and I actutally think that was my ah-ha moment when I was house hunting. I don't think having my kids at Yorktown would do them any more justice than having them in Wakefield and putting the money I'd spend living in North Arlington into enrichment. It's a tricky thing but when you parse it down, the issue you see is that poverty and ESL needs drives a lot of the performance issues. I think a lot of parents fear their kids will be corrupted by poor minority kids (especially teens). I don't see that issue as much as the isolation problems my kids might experience. We have all sorts of friends and our family ranges from dirt poor to rich as hell. So, our kids will likely see it all. That's why I don't worry about Wakefield.



Hi! I feel the same as you. Are your kids currently at Wakefield or just slated? I walk by Wakefield daily ( around the time of dismissal) the kids are pretty typical. I don't see or hear anything troubling about behavior. Most seem like good kids.
My only real concern is if there is so much focus getting ESL students up to speed- is it slowing the rest down? This is a gut fear, and not based in fact. Still thinking its a good choice.

We are definitely zoned for Wakefield but my kids are small. I actually don't worry about the ESL needs because legally they are entitled to resources and get additional funding for that support (I always find myself shocked because no one would say such a thing about special needs children or the mass of kids with IEPs).

We aren't too worried. I like our elementary and we are doing fun things like language lessons (Arabic) and sports and stuff. We do supplement at home a bit during the summer as well. I just went crazy house hunting and went from absolutely believing Yorktown or WL or bust to having a more nuanced view of things. I think Wakefield might serve my children better -- not being a tiny population of black students has huge benefits. Being in a racially and linguistically diverse school as a wealthier kid probably is the best I could do for them.

[Anonymous]

Dear, Yorktown for black students is 1388. It's pretty horrible. I'd rather spend the thousands I am saving monthly to provide private supports for my kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I'm the PP mom who is zoned for Wakefield and is black and I actutally think that was my ah-ha moment when I was house hunting. I don't think having my kids at Yorktown would do them any more justice than having them in Wakefield and putting the money I'd spend living in North Arlington into enrichment. It's a tricky thing but when you parse it down, the issue you see is that poverty and ESL needs drives a lot of the performance issues. I think a lot of parents fear their kids will be corrupted by poor minority kids (especially teens). I don't see that issue as much as the isolation problems my kids might experience. We have all sorts of friends and our family ranges from dirt poor to rich as hell. So, our kids will likely see it all. That's why I don't worry about Wakefield.



Hi! I feel the same as you. Are your kids currently at Wakefield or just slated? I walk by Wakefield daily ( around the time of dismissal) the kids are pretty typical. I don't see or hear anything troubling about behavior. Most seem like good kids.
My only real concern is if there is so much focus getting ESL students up to speed- is it slowing the rest down? This is a gut fear, and not based in fact. Still thinking its a good choice.

We are definitely zoned for Wakefield but my kids are small. I actually don't worry about the ESL needs because legally they are entitled to resources and get additional funding for that support (I always find myself shocked because no one would say such a thing about special needs children or the mass of kids with IEPs).

We aren't too worried. I like our elementary and we are doing fun things like language lessons (Arabic) and sports and stuff. We do supplement at home a bit during the summer as well. I just went crazy house hunting and went from absolutely believing Yorktown or WL or bust to having a more nuanced view of things. I think Wakefield might serve my children better -- not being a tiny population of black students has huge benefits. Being in a racially and linguistically diverse school as a wealthier kid probably is the best I could do for them.

Upper class white liberals will be less racist and more inclusive than poorer hispanics who speak english as a second language or parents can't speak English. Hispanic immigrants or recent generational offspring also have more potential to create gangs which are fully segregated as hispanic only.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
I'm the PP mom who is zoned for Wakefield and is black and I actutally think that was my ah-ha moment when I was house hunting. I don't think having my kids at Yorktown would do them any more justice than having them in Wakefield and putting the money I'd spend living in North Arlington into enrichment. It's a tricky thing but when you parse it down, the issue you see is that poverty and ESL needs drives a lot of the performance issues. I think a lot of parents fear their kids will be corrupted by poor minority kids (especially teens). I don't see that issue as much as the isolation problems my kids might experience. We have all sorts of friends and our family ranges from dirt poor to rich as hell. So, our kids will likely see it all. That's why I don't worry about Wakefield.



Hi! I feel the same as you. Are your kids currently at Wakefield or just slated? I walk by Wakefield daily ( around the time of dismissal) the kids are pretty typical. I don't see or hear anything troubling about behavior. Most seem like good kids.
My only real concern is if there is so much focus getting ESL students up to speed- is it slowing the rest down? This is a gut fear, and not based in fact. Still thinking its a good choice.


We are definitely zoned for Wakefield but my kids are small. I actually don't worry about the ESL needs because legally they are entitled to resources and get additional funding for that support (I always find myself shocked because no one would say such a thing about special needs children or the mass of kids with IEPs).

We aren't too worried. I like our elementary and we are doing fun things like language lessons (Arabic) and sports and stuff. We do supplement at home a bit during the summer as well. I just went crazy house hunting and went from absolutely believing Yorktown or WL or bust to having a more nuanced view of things. I think Wakefield might serve my children better -- not being a tiny population of black students has huge benefits. Being in a racially and linguistically diverse school as a wealthier kid probably is the best I could do for them.


Upper class white liberals will be less racist and more inclusive than poorer hispanics who speak english as a second language or parents can't speak English. Hispanic immigrants or recent generational offspring also have more potential to create gangs which are fully segregated as hispanic only.

I literally don't understand what you are saying. In terms of where my black children would be more welcome?

I think immigrants do tend to keep to themselves. I say this as someone who is Muslim and whose children go to Mosque with many different immigrant children (although no Hispanics since they are Christian, I guess). My kids have friends from all over who live in South Arlington. Yes, I am a doctor. But my kids play with kids whose parents are cab drivers and cleaning people and whatever. As long as the kids are good kids, I don't fault a parent for doing what they have to do to support their family in this country. And I say this as a girl raised by a cab driver.

I actually think my kids would have a harder time in Yorktown. We almost bought in WL, but found a much better house in the Wakefield zone.

[Anonymous]

The crappy housing in South Arlington dooms it to perpetual mediocrity.

[Anonymous]

The crappy housing in South Arlington dooms it to perpetual mediocrity.

I live in a gorgeous house in South Arlington right by Crystal City. I think my area is actually really pretty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The crappy housing in South Arlington dooms it to perpetual mediocrity.

Older fixer uppers means younger middle class families can buy in and spruce up. Happening all over my hood. Not a bad thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
I'm the PP mom who is zoned for Wakefield and is black and I actutally think that was my ah-ha moment when I was house hunting. I don't think having my kids at Yorktown would do them any more justice than having them in Wakefield and putting the money I'd spend living in North Arlington into enrichment. It's a tricky thing but when you parse it down, the issue you see is that poverty and ESL needs drives a lot of the performance issues. I think a lot of parents fear their kids will be corrupted by poor minority kids (especially teens). I don't see that issue as much as the isolation problems my kids might experience. We have all sorts of friends and our family ranges from dirt poor to rich as hell. So, our kids will likely see it all. That's why I don't worry about Wakefield.



Hi! I feel the same as you. Are your kids currently at Wakefield or just slated? I walk by Wakefield daily ( around the time of dismissal) the kids are pretty typical. I don't see or hear anything troubling about behavior. Most seem like good kids.
My only real concern is if there is so much focus getting ESL students up to speed- is it slowing the rest down? This is a gut fear, and not based in fact. Still thinking its a good choice.


We are definitely zoned for Wakefield but my kids are small. I actually don't worry about the ESL needs because legally they are entitled to resources and get additional funding for that support (I always find myself shocked because no one would say such a thing about special needs children or the mass of kids with IEPs).

We aren't too worried. I like our elementary and we are doing fun things like language lessons (Arabic) and sports and stuff. We do supplement at home a bit during the summer as well. I just went crazy house hunting and went from absolutely believing Yorktown or WL or bust to having a more nuanced view of things. I think Wakefield might serve my children better -- not being a tiny population of black students has huge benefits. Being in a racially and linguistically diverse school as a wealthier kid probably is the best I could do for them.


Upper class white liberals will be less racist and more inclusive than poorer hispanics who speak english as a second language or parents can't speak English. Hispanic immigrants or recent generational offspring also have more potential to create gangs which are fully segregated as hispanic only.

I literally don't understand what you are saying. In terms of where my black children would be more welcome?

I think immigrants do tend to keep to themselves. I say this as someone who is Muslim and whose children go to Mosque with many different immigrant children (although no Hispanics since they are Christian, I guess). My kids have friends from all over who live in South Arlington. Yes, I am a doctor. But my kids play with kids whose parents are cab drivers and cleaning people and whatever. As long as the kids are good kids, I don't fault a parent for doing what they have to do to support their family in this country. And I say this as a girl raised by a cab driver.

I actually think my kids would have a harder time in Yorktown. We almost bought in WL, but found a much better house in the Wakefield zone.

Don't bother trying to reason with the above poster. You are shattering their world view. The idea that anyone would choose not to go Yorktown is upsetting to them. I posted above about walking near WF in the afternoons. I don't see segregated cliques. I see multi ethnic groups of friends. All speaking English for that matter.
Thanks for reminding me about the additional funding to get kids up to speed. Of course as of now WF is under capacity. We'll see where it's at in another decade. Seems like you made a good choice for your kids. I think We will be taking the same path.